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Dear ,
 The Township Board of Trustees and staff have been meeting with our state legislators in the house and senate and with other local government officials in response to two proposed bills that will greatly reduce township revenue and will impact the ability to maintain many important services. House Bill 3 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 90, are proposals to repeal the state's estate tax. Substitute House Bill 153 is the governor's budget bill. If enacted by the legislature, Springfield Township would lose approximately 2.1 million dollars annually, or roughly half of the revenue for the general fund by 2013. It is imperative that the Board of Trustees take aggressive steps to protect the residents that the board members were elected to represent. The loss of this revenue will directly impact residents by service cuts or the need to increase local taxes. The Ohio estate tax has been an integral component of the state tax structure for financing local governments since 1893. The estate tax is levied against the value of a resident decedent's gross estate less deductions and exemptions. Ohio is one of twenty states with an estate tax. Ohio does not collect tax on an estate unless its net taxable value is greater than $338,333. Approximately 7,000 (6%) of 110,000 Ohio estates were subject to the tax in 2009. Local governments such as Springfield Township depend on the estate tax as an important source of revenue, since 80% of estate tax revenue collected by the state is distributed back to the community where the deceased individual lived. Approximately, 1.5 million dollars, or 40% of the township's general fund revenue, was derived from the estate tax in 2010. Services such as road repair, snow removal, parks and recreation, community events, senior services, housing code enforcement and economic development programs and investments are funded in part with estate tax revenue. The Board of Trustees addressed this issue at our April 12th meeting. As much as we do not like the estate tax and do not like additional taxes, the repeal is going to have a very negative impact on local governments and on the services we provide to our residents. When you couple this with the governor's budget proposal to reduce the local government fund by 50% over the next two years and eliminate reimbursements that the township receives for the tangible personal property tax and other public utility payments, this will amount to over 2 million dollars a year in lost revenue to Springfield Township. This would result in the need for a 2.5 to 3 mill levy just to replace this revenue. We do not believe our residents can sustain that kind of increase, especially in light of future police, fire and road issues that will be need to be addressed. Township Trustee Joe Honerlaw has testified twice before both the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees. Mr. Honerlaw addressed not only the effect on Springfield Township, but also on the state government and the economy. He explained the collaborative and efficiency projects that the township has undertaken in the last 10-15 years to reduce cost and improve intergovernmental cooperation and service levels. His full testimony can be read at springfieldtwp.org/estatetax.cfm In summary, the Board believes it is very poor policy to eliminate a large source of income without conducting a complete and comprehensive review of the negative impact and a reform of the entire Ohio tax code. Residents interested in morel information about this issue may contact Springfield Township administration offices at 522-1410. Additionally, if you would like to discuss this issue with your state legislators, their contact information can be found at http://www.house.state.oh.us/ Sincerely,
Your Trustees - Joseph Honerlaw, Gwen McFarlin and Tom Bryan
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Spring....
A Sign For Road Projects Ahead
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Springfield Township was successful in obtaining State Capital Improvement Project (SCIP) grants for the following projects in 2011:
Kempermill Village Subdivision:
Complete resurfacing to include new concrete curb and gutter and new asphalt surface for the following streets:
Forester Drive from Hazelgrove to Mill
Graymont Court
Greystone Court
$317,637.60 State Capital Improvement Grant funds
$211,758.40 local match
$529,396.00 project total
Country Mills Lane Subdivision:
Complete resurfacing to include new concrete curb and gutter and new asphalt surface for the following streets:
Wellspring Drive
Meadowglen Drive
Flintlock Drive
Yorkridge Drive
Sherborn Drive (portion)
$374,235.30 State Capital Improvement Project Grant funds
$249,490.20 local match
$623,725.50 project total
These projects are scheduled to begin this summer. A list of streets that will receive crack seal treatments will be released shortly.
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Great American Cleanup
Volunteers Needed | | |
Together, Springfield Township residents will be participating in our 10th annual Great American Cleanup event on Saturday, April 16th! This year we are focusing many of our efforts on litter removal and on improving community gateways. Businesses such as Forrest Lytle, Lee Stultz Electric, Fifth Third Bank, Kroger, and Brueggers have generously contributed supplies and/or funding for many of the projects. Over 100 people have already registered to volunteer in our one-day community cleanup! If you have not registered, consider volunteering just hours of your time with your friends and make a huge impact on our community!
How to volunteer: Online registration will close on Friday afternoon to allow for planning . After Friday afternoon, we encourage volunteers to simply walk in a check-in site and we will assign an area that needs a helping hand! (There are currently many areas in need of litter pick up!)
Weather: Right now, the forecast is predicting early rain. At 7:30 a.m. we will determine to have the event as scheduled, to delay the event by a few hours or reschedule for Saturday, April 23. Please check the Township's website at www.springfieldtwp.org for updates.
Check In: There are 3 check-in sites to choose from;
· Pleasant Run Farms Swim Club (to clean PRF and work on their community gateway project)
· The Grove Banquet Hall (Litter, painting, landscape project)
· St. Bartholomew Church (Helping local seniors with yard work)
Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. for all locations except St. Bartholomew. (That location will begin checking in at 9:00) We plan to work from 9 a.m. to noon. A light breakfast will be available at the check-in locations.
Projects To Be Completed:
Full list of areas online at www.springfieldtwp.org/greatamericancleanup.cfm
13 Litter Teams are needed to clean up local creeks, and sections of Winton Rd., Galbraith, Ruth, Lincoln, Hamilton, Struble, Meredith, Simpson, Compton, Daly, Locust St., North Bend, Cross County on and off ramps, Broadhurst, Blackwell, Brentwood Swim Club, Cottonwood and local parks.
The Grove Entrance - The Grove Banquet Hall has been the home to many of our new community events and is also is the primary funding source for the Senior and Community Center. All of the proceeds to The Grove pay for the daily operations for our senior services. The Grove Hall is rented for wedding receptions, reunions, anniversaries and other special events. The entrance to the Grove is the first thing that potential clients see. New landscaping will help secure new rentals and provide a nice welcoming touch.
Pleasant Run Farms Neighborhood Gateway - Sometimes removing something has a bigger impact than adding something new. Volunteers are needed to remove a 20 year old wooden fence that is in disrepair. Additionally, flowers will be added to key entry points of Clifford George Park and the neighborhood and a landscape element will be added to the concession stand. *Key project leaders with landscaping skill sets needed!
Painting and Staining Teams - Are you handy with a paint brush? We need you! There are several small outdoor painting projects. We plan to paint about 15 picnic tables (paint over grafitti), stain 3 park message boards and touch up our existing gateway signs.
Mulch and Flowers - That says it all! We will plant flowers in various locations and lay mulch. ***WE ARE LOOKING FOR RESIDENTS, BOYSCOUT OR GIRL SCOUT TROOPS WHO ARE ABLE TO WATER FLOWERS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. CALL 522-1410.
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Mother and Sun
Picnic Fun
Tickets on Sale Now!
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Moms and their Boys .... do we have an event for you! Put on your sneakers and plan for a great time! The first ever picnic will be held on Sunday, May 15th at the Grove Park, located at 9150 Winton Road. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. we will start off with pizza for lunch - then it's on to fun, wacky games that will have mom and son working together and laughing a lot! We will enjoy an ice cream sundae bar and even have an opportunity for a keepsake photo op! Registration is now taking place online - and is expected to SELL OUT, so register soon! Admission is $25 for a resident mom/son team or $28 for nonresidents. Each additional son is $6. (In case of rain, all activities will be held indoors at the Grove Banquet Hall.) This event is nonrefundable.
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-Recycling Information-
Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale Announced
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Attention residents of Hamilton County:
Computer and TV Recycling Drop-Off Program:
o Location: 2trg- 11085 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
o Dates: Monday - Friday. May 2 - Oct. 31, 2011. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open ONLY two Saturdays. June 18 and October 15. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
o Details: Only Hamilton County residents are eligible to participate. Please bring proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill. Items from businesses, churches and non-profits will not be accepted. Items accepted free of charge include CPUs, monitors, printers, televisions, fax machines, main frames, laptops, mice, keyboards, speakers, scanners, personal copiers, cables, printers, chips, circuit boards, back up batteries, cell phones and PDAs.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop- Off Program:
o Details to be determined. Please check out hcdoes.org for updates.
Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale:
o Locations: Green Township Administration Complex and Village Crossing in Evendale
o Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
o Details: Only Hamilton County residents are eligible to participate. Limited quantities of discounted FreeGarden ™ rain barrels and FreeGarden™ compost bins will be sold at the sale. Compost bins will be sold for $35 and rain barrels will be $50. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. Compost bins are made from 100% recycled content, can fit in any car for easy transport and require no difficult assembly. For more Information, Click here
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Citizens Police Academy
New Graduates
|  The Springfield Township Police Department held its 17th Citizens Police Academy graduation in March. Twenty four residents participated in the ten-week program which began in January. In class, they learned from various presentations and hands-on activities. Police special operations, criminal investigations, basic law, narcotics investigations, accident investigations, domestic violence, police ethics and K-9 operations were among the topics they experienced. Graduates of the CPA often register for further training to become members of the Citizens on Patrol unit. Others participate in the CPA Alumni which hosts food drives and fundraisers for community projects. If you are interested in participating in the next Citizens Police Academy, send your name and telephone number to dschaefer@springfieldtwp.org |
Road Salt Report
(2010-2011 Winter Season)
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Averages (per season)
Times out 19
Salt usage (Dec through Feb) 2286 tons
Average Route 9.2 miles
Average Miles Traveled to Make One Run 26
Past Usage
2005 21 times out 1900 tons of salt used 2006 11 times out 1400 tons of salt used 2007 16 times out 2200 tons of salt used 2008 21 times out 2600 tons of salt used 2009 14 times out 2250 tons of salt used 2010 23 times out 2419 tons of salt used
This Season
2011 30 times out 3130 tons of salt used ($64.23 per ton this season)
The Cost Of Running Salt Routes Most trucks begin their route with approximately 8 tons of salt. At $64.23 per ton, this means that they are carrying $514 in material. This year, the Service Department averaged 118 tons of salt used per event. At $64.23 per ton, this is an expense of $7,579 per event for material only. An average of 100 gallons of fuel in consumed per run at $2.70 per gallon. That is an additional $270. When liquid calcium chloride is needed, (generally when it's below 20 degrees), the trucks average use is 35 gallons per run. 350 gallons (10 trucks) @ .77 per gallon is an additional $270. Avg run including fuel:$7,849 Avg run fuel and calcium:$8,119 More information at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/snowandice.cfm
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Community Garage Sale Event
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They say that one man's trash is another's treasure and on Saturday, June 4th, it's a treasure hunt like no other. With 32 individual indoor booths and 36 outdoor booths, you are sure to find something great. Doors will open at 9:00a.m. - no early birds! (The parking lot WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 8:45 A.M.) Anything that goes unsold may be donated to Goodwill.
Residents are invited to purchase a booth space, ranging in price from $5 to $15 to sell their unwanted items. (Must be a Springfield Township resident to have a booth space) To register, download the registration form from www.springfieldtwp.org/comunitygaragesale.cfm and send payment to 9150 Winton Road, 45231. (Picnic shelter spaces have SOLD OUT already!) This is a rain or shine event - no refunds.
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ART CONTEST FOR WINTON ROAD
STREET BANNERS!
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 Springfield Township was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 by ArtWave Presents to run an artists competition for the banners on Winton Road! How would you like to have you own original design hanging along Winton? The non-profit company Art Works will host the contest. All entries, contest rules and final selections will be made through Art Works.
Official Call To Artists:
REQUEST FOR IMAGES:
ArtWorks, in partnership with Springfield Township, is implementing a Community Art Banner Project that will enhance the Winton Road Business District Streetscape. ArtWorks is requesting images from artists who are interested in having their work included in this streetpole banner project. Images should be works of art (painting, photographs, drawings, digital media or other visual art work).
OVERVIEW
The objective of the banner project is to display unique works of art that relate to two themes, "Americana" and "A Community of Neighborhoods, A Great Place To Call Home". The banners, measuring 29"x60" will incorporate images from artists.
To participate, artists should submit images of artwork that relate to either or both themes. Images should be high quality photographs of artwork. Do not send actual artwork. There is no limit to the number of images artists can submit. All submissions must meet the minimum requirements outlined below.
Image Submission Guidelines
All submissions must:
- Include artist name, mailing address, phone, email, resume, a short artist bio and your connection to Springfield Township (if any).
- be the creation of the submitting artist. Plagiarism is not allowed
- relate to the themes Americana" and/or "A Community of Neighborhoods, A Great Place to Call Home".
- be in digital format, high resolution images(300 dpi)*
- images should be saved to a disc and mailed to:
Michael Stout
c/o Springfield Township Banner Project
20 E. Central Parkway
Cincinnati OH 45202
PROCESS
From the submissions, ArtWorks and Springfield Township will review the images to select 3-4 images that best convey the theme and will function in the banner format. Selected images will be included in a design template and may be scaled or cropped. Selected artists will receive $100-150 dollars for each selected image. In addition, artists will receive promotion through Springfield
Township website and the possibility of an art exhibition at local businesses.
TIMELINE
Deadline for Submissions May 2nd
Selection of Images
May 9th
Contracts Sent
May 13th
Banner Installation
June 20th (tentative)
*If you are unable to submit your images in the requested digital format please call
Michael Stout at 513.333.0388x16 or email michael@artworkscincinnati.org
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New Classes Presented By The
Senior/Community Center
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TAE KWON DO / MARTIAL ARTS
Location: Springfield Township Senior/Community Center Room A
(9158 Winton Road)
$40 Springfield Township Resident / $50 Non-resident per month
(4% pay pal fee for online registration)
Register by calling 522-1154, or register online
Ken Phillips, from Spirit of the Tiger Martial Arts, brings his 25 years of experience as a martial arts instructor to offer classes in Tae Kwon Do to children and adults of all levels. Tae Kwon Do is a martial art employing self-defense techniques, kicking forms and sparring practice. Each session is one month long with classes offered on Monday and Thursday evenings. Students may attend as many classes as they would like during this month.
AGES 5 - ADULT
Mondays and Thursdays
6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Students from all classes will be required to have a full set of sparring safety gear that will be included in the equipment fee due at the time they enroll. The equipment fee will include the sparring gear and the TKD uniform.
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FUNDAMENTALS OF BRIDGE
Springfield Township Senior/Community Center
(9158 Winton Road)
$115 Springfield Township Resident $125 Non-resident - six week course
Register by calling 522-1154 or reserve your space online
Is the only thing you know about bridge that it's the quickest way to get from Ohio to Kentucky? If so, then this workshop is for you! Linda Wolber from the Cincinnati Bridge Association will be here to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the game of bridge. Each six week course will feature a two hour class - the first hour will discuss particular fundamentals, while the second hour features hands-on play, with preset hands focused on the previous hour's instruction. A minimum of 12 registrations will be required to conduct the workshop; maximum registrations are capped at 16.
Wednesdays April 27 - June 1 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Register Online Now
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COUPON COMMANDO
Springfield Township Senior/Community Center (9158 Winton Road)
$25 Springfield Township Resident / $35 Non-resident per class
Register by calling 522-1154
It's a real financial jungle out there! Increasing prices mixed with tighter household budgets is a constant struggle. Well, how does reducing your grocery bill by up to 50% sound?If you want help stretching your food budget, Springfield Township has the answer in an informative class from which ANYONE can benefit! This one-day course will put you on the fast track for grocery savings - with no compromise to the brands you know and use on a daily basis. More information
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CARING FOR MOM
The Grove Banquet Hall (9158 Winton Road)
Free Seminar! COMPLETE - RESOURCE BOOK FOR CAREGIVERS INCLUDED
IN THIS CLASS!
Register by calling 522-1154, or register online now!
Presented by Micki Fehring, RN, in partnership with West College Hill, North College Hill and Springfield Township Senior Centers
Caring for a parent comes with many challenges. Juggling between your child's soccer game and your mother's doctors' appointments - managing to balance it all. Whether you are one of the 42 million people currently caring for an older adult or are just approaching the years when it's time to take care of mom, this seminar will held guide you through resources you will need to make difficult decisions easier. Join us at Springfield Township's Grove Banquet Hall to learn more about the vast options of care and tour through resources available to caregivers. Geriatric Care Manager, Micki Fehring, RN, will cover information on:
- The stress of multi-generational care
- Understanding the choices in care
- How to pay for in-home care
- Safety and independence
You will leave this series with a better understanding of the different types of care available and will be given a take-home resource guide.There will also be a series of follow-up sessions introduced that will focus more on one specific topic.
(Dates for follow-up courses will be provided at the seminar)
About the presenter - Micki Fehring has been a registered nurse for over 15 years and is currently a Geriatric Care Manager for Care Advisers by Black Stone. Her role allows her to asses a patient's needs, present them with the best choices of care and arrange for the care to begin.
Wednesday, May 18 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
**Light dinner will be provided**
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Join Us!
Springfield Township is on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube!
(Click on any link to join that group)
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Local Fire Departments
collaboration efforts ongoing! | |
Fire Chiefs from Springfield Township, Colerain Township, Forest Park, North College Hill, Mt. Healthy and Greenhills have been working together to improve safety, control costs and make their fire and emergency medical service operations more efficient.
In 2006, Fire Chiefs from the six communities began meeting twice a month to discuss ways that they could control costs, share resources and standardize operations. Now formally named "The Mid West Fire Chiefs", the group has collaborated on a number of projects and has saved costs in personnel by sharing staff with mutual aid response.Based on the success of the Mid West Fire Chiefs collaborative efforts, other fire departments in Hamilton County started similar meetings with their neighboring communities.
"People do not care what name is on the side of a fire truck. They just want it to arrive quickly and with well trained firefighters. Collaborative efforts are making this happen. Even Fire Chiefs are now crossing into other jurisdictions to help with management and incident command," explains Springfield Township Fire Cheif Robert Leininger. The Township has 13 firefighters staffed at all times for EMT and firefighting services. It is recommended that 22 firefighters respond to a fire. Through the Mid West Fire Chiefs agreement, 22 firefighters are able to respond at any given time.
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Upcoming Events In and Around Our Community!
See the Community Calendar and Newsboard for each of theses events with details and contact information
(Located by event date)
April 15Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse at The Grove Banquet Hall Winton Woods Musical "Annie" April 16Great American Cleanup in Springfield TownshipEaster Egg Hunt - Trinity Evangelical Church Easter Egg Hunt for West College Hill at Crutchfield Park Healthy Kids Day at the Powel Crosley YMCA Brentwood Community Church Easter Egg Hunt Winton Woods Park Easter Spectacular Event (16th & 17th) April 21Northwest Hall of Fame Inductions April 23View Place neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt
April 30Mt Healthy High Alumni Garage and Craft Sale David Rogers BIG BUGS at Glenwood Gardens Opening Finneytown Theatre Presents Aladdin Jr. (Sat & Sun) May 1Roger Bacon Rocks The House Fashion Show May 5Cinco de Mayo Party at Centennial Barn May 6Michael Benson Jazz Concert at St. Xavier HS St Bartholomew Garage Sale to benefit a mission trip (Fri, Sat) May 8Mother's Day Brunch in the Park at Winton Woods May 12Mt Healthy Jazz Band Coffeehouse fundraiser May 14Colerain Hall of Fame Hamilton County Compost Bin Sale May 15Mother & Son Picnic Fun eventat the Grove Park AreaMay 21Pleasant Run Farms Swim Club Membership Drive and Garage Sale PEM Memorial Family Reunion and Student Art Display May 22Spring Ministry Concert at St Bartholomew |
Phone Numbers
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Springfield Township Administration Offices
522-1410
Springfield Township Police
729-1300
Fire Station 79
(Winton Road)
521-7578
Fire Station 75
(Burlington Road ) 851-3030
Service Department (Roads)
522-1410
Senior/Community Center 522-1154
The Grove Banquet Hall (Rentals)
522-1154
Property Maintenance Complaint
522-1410
nuisancecomplaints
@springfieldtwp.org
Hamilton County Roads: 946-8900
Hamilton County Board of Elections
632-7000
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| PICTURES NEEDED!!! | |
We are looking for special moments in the community captured on camera! Do you have a great shot of your son or daughter swinging at Winton Woods Park? Maybe you are most proud of the picture you took of the Covered Bridge when the fall leaves reached their golden peak. Or do you have one of a spectacular cannonball into the Pleasant Run Farms community swimming pool? We would like to use your photos in the community activity guidebook or maybe even in the community master plan book. If you would like to share your favorite snapshots and have them published, please call Kim at 522-1410. Photo credit will be provided on any pictures used.
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Litter to be picked up along Cross County Highway with assistance from a grant program and the Hamilton County Community Service Work Detail Program
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Springfield Township applied and has been selected to receive litter collection services through the Sheriff Department's Community Service Work Detail Program for portions of Cross County Highway. Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District funds the program in conjunction with the City of Cincinnati and 3CDC. The heavily traveled highway will receive twice-a-month litter collection services beginning in April. This is the second year Springfield Township has been accepted to the program.
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Township's Gas Aggregation Program Continues to Show Big Savings To Residents!
| Natural gas pricing for March 2011 reports:
Township's Natural Gas Rate $5.16/Mcf ($0.516/Ccf).
Duke's Gas Cost Recovery Rate (GCR) for March is $5.482/Mcf
This is the tenth month in a row the Township's rates have beaten Duke's rates. |
| Submitted Announcements |
If you are: 1. Over the age of 60 2. Have an income less than $903 a month 3. Live in the 45231 zip code You may be eligible for a special food assistance program. Please contact Kathy at Mt. Healthy Alliance Food Pantry 551-8036 as soon as possible. _________________________ The Finneytown Business Network will be hosting a meeting for local business owners on the topic of small business fraud on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Centennail Barn from noon until 1p.m. Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartman and the Better Business Bureau will be presenting. Local businesses are invited to attend. Please call Jon Pappin at 522-5551 to RSVP. Lunch will be served for a small charge. _________________________ ATTENTION ALL SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP HISTORY BUFFS!!! Are you fascinated by the history of our community? Do you love fact finding missions? We are looking for you. Any residents interested in being a part of a team to document the history of Springfield Township should plan to attend an informal meeting on Tuesday, May 3 at the Springfield Township Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. During this meeting, project leader Sue Benzinger will gauge the interest of creating a historical society and starting the process of documenting the early days of Springfield Township. For more information, call Sue at 522-3934. _________________________ YMCA LOOKING FOR MENTORS! Program: YMCA MENTORING... Build a Future, Change a Community Description: AN HOUR a WEEK is a small COMMITMENT to make a BIG DIFFERENCE! YMCA mentors spend one-on-one time with youth ages 6 - 18 that focuses on improving academic performance, relationships, and behavior. Mentors and youth meet one-on-one after school, in the evening, or weekends at a YMCA or school to "hang out" once a week for at least an hour for 12 months. Mentors and youth give back to their neighborhood through community service projects, explore the world of work, and have FUN!!! Required: Mentors are positive and caring adults, at least 23 years old who are willing to make a weekly commitment to a young person for 12 months. Mentors will go through a background check and training. Mentors skilled in a foreign language are desired, but not required. Mentors are only responsible for their own transportation. Supplied: Mentors have support from YMCA Mentoring Coordinators. Mentoring Coordinators help plan activities, and provide materials for mentors and youth. Mentors will go through a 15 hour training over 4 weeks, and have the option of monthly support meetings throughout match. Mentors and youth can access a YMCA for their meetings, regardless if they are a member. ***FREE YMCA MEMBERSHIP FOR 12 MONTHS *** Contact: Kate Feldhues Email: kfeldhues@myy.org or Phone: 513-246-3230 |
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